Michael Frith, 61, of Newton in Hyde, had been making a delivery in the Preston area and was driving his Ford Transit back to his workplace when it collided with a Ford Mondeo in lane three of the southbound carriageway between Junctions 9 and 8 at 11.45amn on Friday.

The van then crossed to lane one, across the hard shoulder and down the embankment where it came to rest.

Police said that Mr Frith had suffered a “very serious medical episode” while driving, and was taken to the Critical Care Unit of the Royal Preston Hospital, where he died of natural causes on Sunday.

A family tribute said: “Michael was a loving husband, father and grandad who enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family and watching speedway racing and supporting his favourite football team Manchester United. All who knew him are understandably devastated at his sudden passing.”